Unexpected lessons from glacier rescue
Hey Reader
You know, it's not every day you find yourself on a glacier — but a couple of weeks back, that's precisely where I was. I'd been hired to evaluate a glacier-guiding operation's rope-rescue systems. The assignment was busy: a blend of pre-assessment, on-site observing, practical rigging sessions, and a post-assessment report.
The primary rescue scenarios on the glacier are clients falling into small crevasses, lowering injured people down low-angle terrain, and shifting patients sideways to helicopter landing spots. It was clear we needed to keep systems simple and familiar — and ensure rescues could be executed by just two guides if necessary.
We trialled innovative techniques, including pre-rigging a 6:1 drop-loop system for rope rescues.
The whole experience got me thinking. It's about more than just glacier rescue — it's about problem-solving in any high-stakes situation. Keep methods simple. Prioritise training based on likelihood. Ensure you can function even with limited resources. A lesson that extends well beyond the glacier, don't you think?
Ready to take the next step?
Not sure what your organisation, company, or team actually needs? We can help.
Over the Edge Rescue offers tailored Rescue Readiness Assessments — a structured review of your rescue context, environments, skills, gear, and practice. You get a clear, honest picture of where you are and what to focus on next.
Whether you're an industrial team working at height, a back-country guide operation, a volunteer rescue team, or anywhere i
n between — we'll meet you where you are and help you build a rescue capability that's fit for purpose, practical, and effective.
We love talking rescue. If any of this got you thinking, reach out — even if you're not sure what you need yet. That's exactly where the conversation starts.
If you would like to chat, reply to this email with the words:
RESCUE READINESS ASSESSMETS
Looking forward to connecting,
Grant Prattley
